Archives for October 1, 2014

‘Orton, simply put, does not pass the smell test. The worst thing that’s happened for Bills fans is Orton being signed after the preseason, because Buffalo has had four weeks to sit back and think “What if?” instead of reflecting on what they’ve seen in person.’

‘Risking first-round draft picks in such a cavalier fashion is steps one two and three to getting fired in the NFL. Technically, Whaley’s predecessor, Buddy Nix, made the Manuel selection. But with the Watkins trade and Manuel’s benching, the Bills’ management has squandered two out of three picks (2013 and 2015). Aside from a franchise quarterback, no commodity means more in today’s league than first-rounders. This move confirms a failure to value both.’

‘Yes, it’s early. Brady could come back and shred the undefeated Bengals this Sunday in Gillette Stadium. The Pats could reaffirm their place in the division a week later with another win over the Bills. Buffalo could lose to Detroit and New England for four straight defeats. Anything is possible. That’s precisely the point.’

‘”I think he ruined EJ Manuel in that game,” King said. “EJ Manuel is not a very confident guy anyway but, I mean, I think he sent EJ Manuel to the bench. That’s the impact he had. He hit EJ Manuel nine times in that game. He had the incredible leaping interception and he outruns a running back and a quarterback 80 yards for a touchdown.”‘

‘The search for the next franchise quarterback hasn’t been an easy one in Western New York, and the benching of EJ Manuel for Kyle Orton isn’t likely the solution to the problem, either.’

‘Forget his accuracy issues or relative inexperience going through multiple reads at Florida State. When a quarterback is drafted in the first round, he is expected to be a franchise guy sooner rather than later. Manuel was the only quarterback drafted in the first round of the 2013 draft, too, a year after Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson were some of the best rookie quarterbacks in the history of the NFL.’

‘Today’s decision means only that the NFL can’t insist on network blackouts via an FCC policy.’

‘Here’s the reality: The team reached to draft Manuel 16th two years ago. Then they reached to draft Sammy Watkins to prop him up. In the process they traded away the first round draft choice they now need after admitting Manuel isn’t the guy they hoped he would become. And now, a first-time NFL head coach and a first-time NFL offensive coordinator will turn to a journeyman signal caller who was benched for Tim Tebow twice to save their season – and their jobs.’

‘”She gets a lot of people stopping by and seeing her that know the connection with Jordan or make the connection,” Jamey Gay said. “But it has been exciting. He definitely feels the community support in Buffalo and knows people here are excited and cheering for him.”‘

‘Childers, who played both quarterback and tight end at Coastal Carolina, has been with three different NFL teams since 2012 – St. Louis, New York Giants and Buffalo.’

‘Of the many reasons that head coach Doug Marrone elected to make the switch at quarterback for Week Five, anticipation and accuracy are chief among them. Manuel, at this point in his career, just does not throw his receivers open.’

‘So far the best thing I can figure for Kyle Orton is this: He won’t have to play against JJ Watt this year. Watt was a terror. Unblockable. The Texans slide him around to different spots on the line, but most frequently he was working against Erik Pears or Cyril Richardson. How’d you like that assignment?’

‘A 6-5, 250-pound Coastal Carolina product, Childers entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Rams in 2012 before being released prior to the regular season. He then joined the New York Giants at the start of the 2013 offseason and was released prior to the start of the regular season. A native of Mount Pleasant, SC, Childers tallied 11 catches for 233 yards and three touchdowns during his senior collegiate season. He is 28 years old.’

‘He’s the oldest running back in the NFL, and there are no signs of slowdown from Fred Jackson. Through four games, Jackson is on pace for 128 carries this year, and he’s the team’s leading receiver with 19 catches. The next most productive running back over 30 is Philadelphia’s Darren Sproles, who’s purely a situational player. Jackson’s tough, between-the-tackles running style is part of the foundation of Buffalo’s best offensive approach and he’s certain to remain an integral piece of the offensive attack in the final three-quarters of the season.’